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'Feral' dogs attack and kill residents' cats in New Ash Green

A ‘feral' pack of dogs has wreaked havoc in a village, killing and maiming a number of cats.

New Ash Green residents are angry after multiple attacks in the past few months.

Three dogs have reportedly been attacking the pets for more than a year and locals claim nothing has been done to prevent it.

Charlie was taken to an emergency vets after being attacked by the three dogs.
Charlie was taken to an emergency vets after being attacked by the three dogs.

Helen Cleary’s cat Charlie was mauled this morning by the pack of dogs before her mum intervened to rescue the pet.

Charlie, named after Charlie Chaplin for his moustache, was taken to an emergency vets with a puncture wound in his leg and was extremely luck to survive, according to the vets.

Helen, 24, who doesn’t have pet insurance, is now facing a hefty bill from the vets.

She said: “Charlie is under anaesthetic, they are trying to shave and clean his wounds.

“They want to do an X-ray as he isn’t walking well and can’t stand. They think there is internal damage.

“Unfortunately because Charlie has cancer on his lungs, we don’t know if he will survive being put under.”

Charlie, named after Charlie Chaplin, was attacked by the three dogs this morning (May 31).
Charlie, named after Charlie Chaplin, was attacked by the three dogs this morning (May 31).

Another resident from New Ash Green, who wishes to remain anonymous, faced an identical problem a year ago when her cat Nigel was attacked by the trio of dogs and left with three puncture wounds.

Nigel survived the horror attack but after the return of the dogs he has gone missing.

She said: “We’re assuming the dogs found him. I’m heartbroken he’s gone missing. We’re kind of telling ourselves the worst.

“The dogs should be rehomed, seperately. They’ll carry on if they’re together.”

Nigel was attacked last year and has been missing for over a week. (2308823)
Nigel was attacked last year and has been missing for over a week. (2308823)

Similarly to Helen, the anonymous resident was left with a bill of £2,000 and considered legal action against the dog’s owner. However, she’s adamant she’ll take legal action this time round if her precious pet isn’t found alive and well.

A tabby cat was also killed this morning by the trio. Michéle Jewell, of Bazes Shaw, saw her neighbour's cat being attacked and attempted to throw tins at them to prevent the attack. Her husband ran out soon after but was too late.

She said: "The three dogs include a black Saluki, black Patterdale and a white Jack Russel and are believed to come from Idleigh court.

Kent Police confirmed they had received allegations of dogs attacking cats in the area.

Spokesman Andy Saunders said: “Kent Police is aware of allegations that over the past few months one or more cats may have been injured or killed as a result of dog attacks in the New Ash Green area.

“Community support officers will be working with Sevenoaks District Council’s Animal Welfare Officer to visit an address in the area and carry out further inquiries.”

Sevenoaks council has confirmed it has received reports of dog attacks in the village.

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